Looking for more online education materials? The Supreme Court offers courses and videos about the judicial branch for students at many grade levels.

Looking for more online education materials? The Supreme Court offers courses and videos about the judicial branch for students at many grade levels.

Finding engaging, yet informative, educational materials for students can be difficult at any time. But now that schools have moved online because of the COVID-19 health crisis, teachers and parents are searching for more resources. The Ohio Supreme Court has several courses and videos to add to the menu of options for interesting, online student learning.

These programs support a well-rounded civic education with the benefit of a better understanding of the courts and the judicial branch.

“Under Advisement”: Follow Cases through State’s Legal Process
Launched last summer, “Under Advisement: Ohio Supreme Court Cases on Demand” lets students observe oral arguments before the Ohio Supreme Court and explore how civil and criminal cases work their way up to the state’s court of last resort. Easily accessible on the Court’s website free of charge, the materials include the case background, each side’s arguments, video clips, lesson plans, a news article about the Court’s decision, and a legal glossary. And teachers, take note: “Under Advisement” is aligned with Ohio’s Learning Standards for High School American Government.
Under Advisement: sc.ohio.gov/UnderAdvisement

“Ohio’s Pride”: Learn How Court Artwork Reflects State History
This free, digital lesson plan, called “Ohio’s Pride,” features some of the beautiful murals in the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center and uses them to explore Ohio history. Designed for fourth graders, the lesson can be adapted easily for other ages. It’s great for any students learning about history, art, or even primary sources. “Ohio’s Pride” aligns with Ohio’s Learning Standards for the Fourth Grade Social Studies and Visual Art curricula.
Ohio’s Pride: https://bit.ly/342CaKy

“Justice Case Files”: Graphic Novels Explain Courts
Courts are in the news every day – and their significance in our lives is evident more so now. The “Justice Case Files,” which are colorful graphic novels, delve into how judges make decisions, how the courts protect the public, and why courts are so important to a democratic society. The series, launched by the National Center for State Courts, covers topics such as jury duty, cyberbullying, eviction notices, and damaged property. The Court, with the insight of Ohio educators, created companion lesson plans for the novels. The lesson plans point to the specific Ohio Learning Standards the novels meet for different grade levels.
Justice Case Files: https://bit.ly/39Ec01S

Video: “How Does Ohio’s Court System Work?”
This entertaining and lively video covers all the basics of the state judicial system, from the trial courts to the Ohio Supreme Court. Former Justice Yvette McGee Brown explains the different levels and more in this video produced by the Ohio Channel.
How Does Ohio’s Court System Work?: https://bit.ly/3aISAKU

Video: “A Day in the Life”
In “A Day in the Life,” Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor describes what it’s like when the Supreme Court is in session for oral arguments. This video explains how appellate courts are different from trial courts, the importance of the 15 minutes the attorneys are allotted for their arguments, and even how the justices decide who will write the majority opinion.
A Day in the Life: https://bit.ly/2X2ahRr

Check Out Additional Resources
The Supreme Court’s Civic Education Section has compiled even more educational materials. Find them at https://bit.ly/2xI6gqR.